One of the most noteworthy partnerships to emerge from this initiative was the one between Baphalane, a Bakwena tribe numbering some 120,000 people, and Zizwe Opencast Mining. This collaboration came with an added promise – a longer contract if the joint venture proved successful.
The Baphalane Community
In May 2015, the ambitious 15 East Opencast project kicked off at Tumela Mine, originally awarded for a 14-month opencast mining operation. In December 2015, the Memorandum of Understanding for this ground-breaking joint venture was signed, setting the stage for a partnership that would redefine the boundaries of corporate responsibility and community engagement. The Baphalane community, under the leadership of kgosi JJEM Ramokoka, encompasses 12 villages, with Ramokokastad as its capital. This tribe traces its roots to the Bakwena of Sechele in Molepolole, Botswana, sharing an ancestral heritage with the Bakwena-ba-Mogopa based in Bethanie.
In recent times, Baphalane has undertaken a remarkable journey towards corporatization, a path designed to streamline economic development initiatives aimed at the betterment of their villages. In pursuit of this noble cause, two trusts were established, each with distinct mandates. The Batlase Development Trust was tasked with funding development projects through shares held in publicly listed entities, while the Baphalane Trust was formed to hold equity in newly established trading entities and raise capital from external sources. These funds were earmarked for building assets, enhancing capacity, and supporting development initiatives, as well as job creation projects.
Additionally, Baphalane holds a 100% stake in an investment vehicle known as Bakwena Baphalane Investment Holdings (BBIH) PTY (Ltd) through the Baphalane Trust. This strategic move laid the foundation for the establishment of more trading entities across diverse industries, all owned by the Baphalane Trust.
As their journey continues, Baphalane stand poised to make a lasting impact on their communities, the mining industry, and the broader landscape of economic development. Through their unwavering commitment and visionary approach, they have set the stage for a future where sustainable growth and community empowerment go hand in hand.
Opencast Mining | Drilling & Blasting | Crushing & Screening
This comprehensive project encompassed the extraction of minerals from three distinct mining areas located within the Anglo American Amandelbult complex’s Tumela section, specifically Pits 1, 2, 4 and 5.
Over the course of those 14 months, the project team seized additional opencast opportunities, which prompted the inclusion of more opencast pits into the mining plan, not only for Tumela but also for the Dishaba section of the Amandelbult complex.
This proactive approach ultimately led to a remarkable development—the extension of the opencast mining contract by an additional three years.
The resource and work plan extended well beyond 2023, with Pit 6A, 7A and 8A identified as the first areas for opencast mining at Dishaba, extending to pits 36 East and 37 East.
Continuously forward-thinking, the team responsible for this endeavour comprises a collaboration between Anglo Geologists, Engineers, and the dedicated Zizwe Batlase team. Together, they ensure that additional pits are always in the preparation pipeline, securing a bright and productive future for the company.
- MH Maimela
Board Members
- MS Motheng
- AS Ramokoka
- JET Maimela
- LA Selloe
- BM Madiba
The Haakdoringsdrift contract, commenced in August 2020, with a duration of 36 months and an annual ore target of approximately 420,000 tons of UG2 and Merensky Platinum ore.
At Amandelbult Complex, Zizwe provided a wide range of services, ensuring that every aspect of HDD was expertly managed. These services include:
Stripping and Stockpiling of Topsoil
The process begins with the careful removal and storage of topsoil, preserving the environment for future rehabilitation.
Drilling and Blasting
Precise drilling and controlled blasting are employed to extract valuable ore efficiently.
Removal of Waste and Ore
Zizwe meticulously removes both waste and ore, optimizing resource utilization.
Crushing and Dispatching
Ore is crushed and dispatched, ready for further processing.
Rehabilitation
Environmental sustainability is paramount, and Zizwe is committed to restoring mined areas to their natural state
Infrastructure Development
Zizwe is actively involved in infrastructure projects in and around mining areas.
Key milestones achieved include the successful completion of various pits, construction of a Pollution Control Dam, and the initiation of HDD operations. Notably, the project achieved a remarkable 365-day Lost Time Injury (LTI)-free status in May 2021.
The Final Rehabilitation Works for the Anglo American HDD Pit was completed in January 2024. This contract was awarded in May 2020.
Zizwe Batlase has been successful in the tender for the Infrastructure and Opencast Mining works for the new Middelaagte Project, with contract durations of 12 and 28 months respectively.
The Samancor Western Chrome Haakdoornsdrift Opencast Mine, that was placed on Care & Maintenance in 2021, was brought back into operation in October and we expect the Opencast Mining works to continue for at least a further 12 months.
Challenges and Environmental Responsibility
Operating in close proximity to the Crocodile River and neighboring farming communities, Zizwe faces the dual challenge of balancing productivity with employee wellness and ensuring sensitive blasting to protect underground workings and nearby structures. Environmental stewardship is a top priority in all aspects of their operations.
Client Profile: Anglo American Platinum
Zizwe Batlase’s esteemed client, Anglo American Platinum, is a global leader in the production of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs). Their commitment to safety, sustainability, and profitability aligns seamlessly with Zizwe’s mission and values, making them valuable partners in the mining industry.
In these challenging times, the operations manager expresses immense pride in being part of such an exceptional team. The message is clear: “Keep up the excellent work!”
As Zizwe Batlase continues to make strides in the mining industry, it exemplifies the values of commitment, excellence, and environmental responsibility that are vital for sustainable mining operations in the modern world.